Eastern Giant Swallowtail
Common NameEastern Giant Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio cresphontes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)130
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, citrus groves, gardens, fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, extending into parts of Central America and the Caribbean
Host Plantscitrus trees, prickly ash, common hoptree, gas plant, rue
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as 'Orange Dogs,' are brown and white, resembling bird droppings for camouflage. They feed on citrus and other Rutaceae plants. Pupae are chrysalides, camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its exceptionally large size, the broad, irregular band of yellow spots on black wings, and long, prominent tails on the hindwings. The underside of the wings is predominantly yellow.
Description
A very large, striking black butterfly with a broad, irregular band of bright yellow spots across both forewings and hindwings, and prominent tails on the hindwings.
